Stoess is also the President of Portland Neighborhood Association group, Portland Now. The group is intent on making sure the shooting at the gallery does not define the venue or the community. Stoess said Faulkner and his team have helped rebuild Portland in part. People all over Louisville, whomight otherwise skip the community come to the gallery to see the work of new artists, or to enjoy a non -profit fundraiser in the huge space. Bible study groups also meet there and area kids come for yoga classes.

"It was devastating," Brenda Duffey, a neighbor and Portland Now volunteer, said of the shooting. "I hope I don't cry."

Duffey, who's an author, has held two book signings at the gallery. She grew up in the neighborhood and came back after seeing its progress.

“It hurt a lot because so much has been happening that is good." she said of the weekend violence. "We’ve got a film committee there on Portland Avenue, Louisville Visual Arts and so many people are moving back in and it's vibrant and it's exciting, so it was just crushing news."

Portland Business owner Mike Neagle hopes people realize this was another event whereviolence happened as a promoter took over a venue.

"I think it's frustrating not only because someone lost their life," he said, "a lot of people were injured and the people that weren't injured were probably scared out of their minds, but it also tarnishessomething that brought life to the neighborhood."

The neighborhood association said they will do everything in their power to help the gallery and the community move forward.